New Doctor Who companion Samuel Anderson unveiled

The Gavin & Stacey actor will be reunited with his former Emmerdale co-star Jenna Coleman for Peter Capaldi's first series as the Doctor

Jenna Coleman is to be reunited with a former Emmerdale co-star as Samuel Anderson joins the cast of Doctor Who as new companion Danny Pink.

Anderson played Ross Kirk in the ITV soap between 2007 and 2009, crossing over with Coleman’s stint as Jasmine Thomas. Gavin & Stacey fans, meanwhile, will recognise him as Gav and Smithy's oversexed friend "Fingers", which means he's also been seen on screen with fellow Who alumni James Corden and Joanna Page.

Anderson's new Doctor Who character is a teacher working alongside Coleman’s Clara Oswald at Coal Hill School, where original Who companions Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton taught back in 1963 before heading off in the Tardis for adventures in space and time.

"I was so excited to join Doctor Who I wanted to jump and click my heels," said Anderson of his new role. "But I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It’s a quintessential part of British culture and I can’t believe I’m part of it. It’s an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can’t wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"

Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat said he was looking forward to introducing Anderson's character to viewers but remained coy about exactly what part Danny would play in the Doctor and Clara's adventures.

"For the fourth time in Doctor Who history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the Tardis," said Moffat. "In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the first Doctor. These days it’s the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi’s first series of Doctor Who!"